Jim Harbaugh discusses Michigan injuries, offensive line rotation

Michigan Wolverines football has implemented a rotation at the offensive tackle positions the last two weeks, in wins against Bowling Green and Rutgers. Graduate Karsen Barnhart and senior Myles Hinton have gotten the starts at left and right tackle, respectively, each game this season. But graduate LaDarius Henderson has also worked in on the left side, with Barnhart sliding over to the right.

While there appears to be an ongoing competition, head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed on the ‘Inside Michigan Football’ radio show with host Jon Jansen that Hinton is also playing through some pain. In the 31-7 win over Rutgers last Saturday, Henderson saw 30 offensive snaps off the bench, while Hinton logged 32. Barnhart, at both left and right tackle, played 61 of the 62 plays.

“Right now, we’ve been using six,” the Michigan head coach said. “Myles is playing really good. He’s kinda working through something, too, where it’s good not to play every snap as that heals up. But he’s getting movement, and the perfect word you used is gelling.

“They are gelling. You can see it. They’re getting movement individually, and they’re getting movement as a group — and it’s coming. There were a lot more plays this week where all 11 were doing exactly what they were supposed to do, doing it with precision and unison.”

The Wolverines suffered another injury recently, with sophomore defensive tackle Mason Graham injuring his hand against Bowling Green, this one requiring him to miss some time. Graham was out for Michigan’s game against Rutgers and likely will not be able to play Saturday at Nebraska.

“We’ll hopefully get Mason back in a week or two,” Harbaugh said.

Michigan sophomore Kenneth Grant got his first career start in Graham’s place, recording 1 tackle. Along with starter and senior Kris Jenkins, junior Rayshaun Benny and graduate Cam Goode also received increased playing time.

“Really good,” Harbaugh said of how the group performed. “KG is a starter — always in the rotation — and just thought it would be another chance for him to shine, and he did. Kris Jenkins, always a starter, always playing good. Rayshaun Benny, gave him a real chance. Cam Good is playing really good football this year. I’ve highlighted him a few times. But they were all in there doing really well and rolling.”

The Michigan defensive backfield received some reinforcements Saturday, with the return of sophomore cornerback Will Johnson and junior safety Rod Moore giving it a boost. Due to them being back on the field and the experience that younger players got while they were out, Harbaugh said this Michigan defense might be as deep as one he can remember — “it’s getting there, it really is.”

“Specifically the secondary,” Harbaugh continued. “[Graduate safety] Quinten Johnson is playing as good as anybody. And Will back, Rod Moore back.”

Sophomore cornerback Amorion Walker missed Michigan’s first four games, but he was listed as ‘questionable’ instead of ‘out’ for Rutgers. Harbaugh said he’ll be in the rotation upon his return.

“Amorion Walker is starting to look really good in practice, as well,” he noted.

Overall, Harbaugh was pleased with the play of his Michigan secondary.

“Really good. Will was good,” Harbaugh said. “The coverage was so tight all game long. And we were close to getting interceptions a few times, and then [graduate nickel back] Mike [Sainristil] got the big one [a late third quarter pick-six]. That was such a great play, and incredible how he kept his feet.” 

Michigan’s offense should also soon feel the impact of a player returning, with sophomore wide receiver Darrius Clemons getting healthier. A lower-body injury held him out of two games this season, and he saw 3 snaps at the end of the Rutgers game as he gets back up to speed.

“Darrius Clemons, now that he’s healthy, full-go again, I think you’re gonna see good things from him,” the Michigan coach noted. “He was out there today, and you can see the burst back. It gives you another big body, physical type of Nico Collins type of player.”